At Dubai's Permit Room Restaurant, Go for the Look of the Thing

  • Jan. 31, 2025
  • FMCG HORECA BUSINESS
At Dubai's Permit Room Restaurant, Go for the Look of the Thing

Fusion cuisine can be a hit or miss—sometimes it’s a creative success, and other times, it just doesn’t work. But when we decided to visit Permit Room in Al Mankhool, I didn’t want to form any opinions before I saw the menu. And, I’m glad I didn’t, because this restaurant turned out to be a delightful surprise.

A Cozy Vibe That Feels Like Home

From the moment we walked in, the cosy and homely vibe set the tone. The walls, painted in a calming green, surrounded small seating areas that evoked memories of childhood trips to the Indian hill stations. The nostalgic feeling of being surrounded by cool weather, simple comforts, and home-cooked food made me curious about whether the dishes would live up to that same sense of comfort.

A Twist on Homely Flavours

We were warmly welcomed by Executive Chef Harangad, who explained that while the restaurant’s atmosphere felt homely, the menu would offer a twist on familiar dishes. And sure enough, we dove into a unique culinary experience.

One of the first dishes to arrive was the Sindhi Tikka: a crispy potato patty served in a tangy sauce. The combination of flaky and crunchy on the outside, with a soft and comforting interior, delivered exactly what a tikki should—crispy, tender, and full of flavour.

Fusion Done Right

Next, we tried the Pav Bhaji Focaccia—a fusion take on the classic Indian street food. The pav bhaji, with its mixed vegetables, provided the right flavour punch, and the focaccia was the perfect vehicle to mop up all the goodness. A satisfying dish with a familiar taste but a modern twist.

We also tried crispy mushroom momos, stuffed with fermented chili beans, and the Erachi pepper patti samosa, which brought an added layer of spice and crunch to the meal.

Presentation That’s Perfect for Instagram

What stood out next was the presentation. Sure, practicality sometimes took a back seat to the aesthetic, but the dishes were beautiful and crafted with care. Take, for example, the rogan josh (mutton curry). Served in a tiny pressure cooker, it was opened right in front of us, releasing an aromatic cloud of flavour, and the accompanying Cornish crunchy naan was the perfect pairing.

Saving Room for Dessert

By the time dessert arrived, we were already stuffed—but we were so glad we stayed. What followed was a mind-blowing chocolate experience: the signature Ferrero Rocher chocobar. Every bite was a rich explosion of chocolate, and the dulce de leche tart was equally indulgent. If you’re a dessert lover, these dishes alone make the visit worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Permit Room in Dubai offers more than just food—it delivers an experience. From the beautiful atmosphere to the creatively presented dishes, this restaurant takes familiar Indian flavours and gives them a unique spin. If you’re looking for fusion done right, Permit Room is a must-visit.

Have you visited the Permit Room yet? Let us know about your experience in the comments!